Thursday, May 12 2005
ISU-developed virtual reality tool works on Apples
VR Juggler, an ISU-developed software tool that makes it easier to build virtual reality systems, now works on Apple computers.
Researchers working on technology to detect WMDs
Robert Lipert has developed a technology that can detect a single spore of simulated anthrax or a single bacterium cell of simulated plague. Now the trick will be to figure out a way to capture and detect a spore or cell in something as big as a city's water supply.
Bloedel will step down from vice provost post
Dr. James Bloedel, who has been Iowa State's vice provost for research since 2000, will leave that position Sept. 1 to return to the professorate and continue his research in the area of motor learning and motor control.
Farmers' markets help economy
Farmers' markets generate an estimated $20.8 million annually in sales and more than 325 jobs for the Iowa economy.
Ahmanson's charge to graduates
"It's up to you to decide where you will dig, how deep and lasting your well will be," writer and philanthropist Roberta Green Ahmanson told gradutes at the May 7 commencement ceremony.
Commencement address.
ISU graduates first doctorate in human computer interaction
Melinda Cerney is the first Iowa State student to graduate with a doctorate in human computer interaction. Iowa State is one of three American universities offering a doctorate in human computer interaction, a program that trains students to understand how humans and computers interact in various environments.
Actuarial tools helps predict sexual offenders' recidivism
Several states are using an Iowa State professor's actuarial tool to help predict whether sexual offenders will relapse into more criminal behavior.
Fire safety goes high-tech
A new fire safety program will use Iowa State's virtual reality facilites to put children in a computer-generated fire. The exercise will be realistic and safe.
New dairy farm plans OKed
Final plans for Iowa State's new dairy farm got the greenlight from the Board of Regents May 5. When completed, the new farm is expected to be among the premiere dairy education and research facilities in the nation.
New facility will be dedicated to academic success
Iowa State students will soon have a new facility dedicated to improving academic achievement and increasing student retention and graduation rates. Donors committed $10 million to establish the center.
71 on promotion, tenure list
The Board of Regents approved tenure, promotions or both for 71 Iowa State faculty on May 5. Twenty-nine faculty were promoted to the rank of professor, 39 were promoted to the rank of associate professor with tenure, and three faculty were tenured without promotion.
2005-06 P&T list.
Associate director of teacher ed program named
Veronica Stalker has been named associate director of Iowa State's teacher education program.
Big 12 'Wheel of Fortune'
Tune in to watch Iowa State University student Nicole Clement on "Wheel of Fortune" Thursday, May 19. Clement, a junior majoring in communication studies, is a contestant on the show's Big 12 College Week. "Wheel of Fortune" airs at 6:30 p.m. on WHO-TV (NBC) in central Iowa.
Brand practice
Jay Newell, assistant professor in ISU's Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, says product placement in the movies dates back to 1896, and it's been a part of television from the beginning. "There was never a line between art and commerce," Newell says.
See article.
Not so funny
Baltimore Sun, Orlando Sentinel
Are kids picking up the bad habits they see on TV sitcoms and cartoons? Doug Gentile, assistant professor of psychology at Iowa State, comments
Popability
Retired ISU agronomist and popcorn expert Ken Ziegler says the outer layer of the popcorn kernel (the pericarp) is the key to good popping.
Softball scholars
Cyclones fill 9 spots on Academic All-Big 12 teams, more than any other school.
News story.